Art

Credits: 5 per semester    

College Prep Course

Introduction to Art is designed to introduce the basic art elements and design principles as they apply to the four components of art education:  Art History, Art Expression/Production, Aesthetic Analysis, and Art Criticism.  The course is intended to provide introductory art experiences through the exploration of a variety of media and techniques, allowing students to potentially find an area of interest to pursue in future visual arts courses on campus. Media may include Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Graphics, Cartooning, Sculpture, Handcrafts, and Photography.   

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

1.     Use the art elements and principles to produce works of art.

2.     Develop critical thinking skills as related to the creative process.

3.     Employ analytical skills to discuss historical and contemporary artwork.

4.     Employ organizational skills to complete a project on time.

5.     Effectively collaborate with others on group projects.

6.     Utilize relevant vocabulary, terminology, and visual arts concepts during written/verbal self-evaluations and peer critiques.

7.     Develop an understanding of diverse perspectives.

Credits: 5 per semester    

College Prep Course

This fundamental course is designed for students wishing to pursue their interest in painting and drawing. Students focus on developing skills with a variety of materials, tools, and techniques. Experiences with graphite, charcoal, pen and ink, colored pencils, acrylics, watercolor, markers, tempera, and mixed media may be offered. Students will work on developing the skills needed to make meaningful and artistic connections to the world around them so as to establish themselves as lifelong learners and creators.

Upon completion of the course, the student will:

1.     Develop an understanding of effective compositions utilizing the Elements of Art and Principles of Design.

2.     Create visual journals to develop ideas and document the planning process.

3.     Practice critical thinking skills as it relates to the creative process.

4.     Build their observational drawing skills.

5.     Make drawings using gesture, contour, and shading techniques. 

6.     Learn about drawing concepts such as perspective and proportion.

7.     Apply concepts in color theory to original artworks.

8.     Utilize relevant vocabulary, terminology, and visual arts concepts during written/verbal self-evaluations and peer critiques.

9.     Employ analytical skills to discuss both historical and contemporary artwork 

10.   Develop an understanding of diverse perspectives.

Recommended Placement: Grade of a B or better for both semesters of Painting & Drawing or teacher approval

Credits: 10

College Prep Course

An advanced course intended to give the student a variety of art experiences and develop personal expression and creativity. Students will expand on their knowledge of the application of the elements and principles of design while introducing students to various art media and techniques. Students work toward improving craftsmanship and building a portfolio of their study in art. The study of art history and contemporary art will continue through group discussions and art critiques.

Course Objectives

The student will:

1. Express original ideas through an understanding of the elements of art and principles of design, as verified by the development and completion of assignments.

2. Develop the skills necessary to work with a variety of art media.

3. Practice critical thinking skills to solve visual arts problems and work through the creative process.

4. Apply an emphasis on good craftsmanship and presentation skills.

5. Develop a historical perspective in art by recognizing varying individual and cultural themes and styles, as verified by completed assignments.

6. Demonstrate safe and proper use and care of tools and materials, and equipment as verified by teacher observation.

7. Utilize thoughtful and relevant vocabulary, terminology, and visual arts concepts during conversations about aesthetic concepts and art criticism.

8.     Participate in group art galleries and exhibits to display original artwork.

Recommended Placement: A passing grade for both semesters of Advanced Drawing and Painting or a portfolio review and teacher approval).  A ‘C’ or better required for 1st semester to continue to 2nd semester.

Credits: 10 (Weighted Grade)

College Prep Course

This is an intensive drawing and painting course for students to work toward the development of a comprehensive portfolio (15 pieces) which will include process documentation, demonstrate a "skillful synthesis of materials, process, and ideas" related to the Inquiry they develop and refine throughout the year. Their portfolio will demonstrate their advanced skill level and exemplify their sustained investigation of a topic of choice. Portfolios are submitted to the college board in May. 

Course Objectives

The student will:

1.     Express original ideas and a complex understanding of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design, through practice, experimentation, and revision of the drawing medium of their choice.

2. Demonstrate advanced skills necessary to work independently on the development and completion of two-dimensional artworks. 

3. Apply an emphasis on good craftsmanship and presentation skills.

4.     Read instructional materials related to art, write and make mathematical computations necessary in assigned activities, as verified by projects.

5. Participate in group art galleries and exhibits to display original artwork.

6. Document the ideation process through the creation of a visual journal.

7. Photograph and digitally edit photos of personal artwork.

8. Express their concepts in writing so as to create a strong visual/verbal connection to the work.

9. Utilize thoughtful and relevant vocabulary, terminology, and visual arts concepts during conversations about aesthetic concepts and art criticism.

10. Employ organizational strategies in order to meet portfolio deadlines throughout the year.